Question on Clovis points/tools

Erving

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Apr 27, 2013
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Massachusetts
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Although I'm not an avid collector, I occasionally find a Native American artifact while metal detecting. My question is, unless you find an obvious Clovis point like the one Jason (oxbowbarefoot) found, how can you tell if it's a Clovis artifact? I've been doing a little research, and this site, for example shows different Paleo/Clovis tools. What makes them stand out as being Clovis? Thanks for any input you might have.

Clovis and Paleo points, blades, bifaces and miscellaneous artifacts from Central Texas.
 

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Although I'm not an avid collector, I occasionally find a Native American artifact while metal detecting. My question is, unless you find an obvious Clovis point like the one Jason (oxbowbarefoot) found, how can you tell if it's a Clovis artifact? I've been doing a little research, and this site, for example shows different Paleo/Clovis tools. What makes them stand out as being Clovis? Thanks for any input you might have.

Clovis and Paleo points, blades, bifaces and miscellaneous artifacts from Central Texas.

I think much information can be gathered by associated artifacts in context. It can be challenging in a multi-component site because some tools look nearly identical from the Paleo period-Woodland period. Sometimes a solid diagnosis might not be possible, but indicators such as material utilized, flaking patterns, and proximity to known pieces can offer clues.
 

Thanks for your reply Jason. Not that I expect to find an artifact from the Paleo period, but you never know.
 

Thanks for your reply Jason. Not that I expect to find an artifact from the Paleo period, but you never know.

They are certainly known to come from the area! I would closely examine any artifacts made of Normanskill chert especially. It seems to be the dominant material used by Paleo in our area.
 

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